Girona's fairytale run in the La Liga 2023-24; New kings of Catalonia

The Catalan club has reclaimed the La Liga 2023-24 top spot ahead of European giants Real Madrid and Barcelona despite their little experience in the top division. One of the best underdog football stories of recent times. The Catalan club scraped their way to Spain's top flight two years ago and now sits at the top of the La Liga. Girona reached the top by defeating defending champions and local Catalonia rivals Barcelona, a historic moment in the La Liga.

It was Girona's first-ever win over Barca and a result that showed how serious title contenders they are. The landmark win took Girona above Real Madrid, the most successful side in La Liga history. Girona, are unbeaten away from home in La Liga this season, topping the standings with 41 points from 16 games, getting past Real Madrid on 39 points after Carlo Ancelotti's side played a 1-1 draw against Real Betis on Saturday. Barcelona are fourth on 34 points, level with third-placed Atletico Madrid who have a game in hand.

Also Read: Barcelona vs Girona: Girona shocks Barcelona 4-2 to climb top of the La Liga table

Barcelona had 31 attempts in the game, 11 of them on target, but none of them except Lewa and Gundo's goal troubled the Girona shotstopper. Dovbyk put Girona in front in the 12th minute with a shot for his eighth goal in his debut La Liga season.

Lewandowski equalised for the hosts seven minutes later, heading home following a corner. Gutierrez restored Girona's lead before halftime, after the defender broke into the box and scored with an individual effort, and Valery Fernandez made it 3-1 in the 80th minute with a low shot two minutes after coming off the bench.

Gundogan pulled another goal back for Barca before Girona's Stuani scored their fourth in stoppage time. It ensured Girona's victory, a historic victory over Barcelona.

Girona, the new Kings of Catalonia

Girona have played just four times in the top flight in their 93rd year after being founded in 1930. The Catalan club has spent 24 seasons in Segunda División (second tier), 13 in Segunda División B (third tier) and 44 in Tercera División (fourth tier). It's just brilliant how with so little experience in the top division, Girona have managed to reach the top of the La Liga 2023-24.

In 16 league matches, Girona have won 13, drawn 2, and lost only to Real Madrid. Girona are dreaming, especially after the win against Barcelona. There are still so many matches to play but they are playing with their hearts out and dominating every opposition they are playing against. It'll be tough to maintain the same amount of intensity throughout the season but in anything can happen in football.